Lamar football vs. Texas State: Four things to watch for

How many times Lamar actually runs the ball without two injured running backs. The Cardinals ran a season-low 20 times last week in a game Octavious Logan left with a dislocated elbow early in the third quarter. Lamar rushed for a season-low 100 yards in the 37-17 loss to Northwestern State. If Lamar is to establish a ground game, either Mike Venson must carry the full load or unproven backups Jacob Hanna and Caleb Harmon must shine in newfound roles. Offensive coordinator Todd Whitten said a favorite aspect of coaching is to see how other players rise when given a chance.

The health of receivers J.J. Hayes (concussion) and Marcus Jackson (ankle). Both are expected to play tonight after suffering injuries last week. Hayes missed two practices Tuesday and Wednesday before medics cleared him to practice Thursday. Coach Ray Woodard said Thursday that Jackson had not missed any practice after he ended last week’s game with his ankle wrapped in ice.

Defending the option. Woodard talked all week about what he called a triple-option offense run by Texas State. His defenders must stick to gap and player responsibilities to keep the Bobcats in check on the ground, but safeties must also not let the tight end slip by them uncovered. Texas State’s offense is a high-risk, high-reward offense that is responsible for a four-game win streak. But the Bobcats will put the ball on the ground. Their 19 fumbles and 10 lost fumbles are more than any team in the Southland Conference.

Staying in it for a half. Lamar has allowed 67 points in its two losses, and 40 of those points were surrendered in the second quarters of those games. In fact, Lamar entered the second quarters of those games tied and was outscored 20-0 in the second quarter of both games. The Cardinals can’t be playing catch-up every week if it is to have a successful season.